Common Borrowed Words in Modern Times – with Pronunciations

Languages are always changing, and words from different cultures frequently find their way into everyday speech. Globalization, technology, and cultural exchange have accelerated this process, introducing terms from one language into another.

Why Do Languages Adopt Foreign Words?

Languages take in new words for several reasons:

• New concepts: If a language lacks a term for something, it adopts one from another culture. (e.g., “pizza” from Italian)
• Prestige: Some words carry a sense of sophistication or status. (e.g., “rendezvous” from French)
• Simplification: Borrowed words can make communication easier when native terms are long or complicated.

Foreign Words in English

English has absorbed countless terms from other languages. Here are some widely used examples:

French Origins

• Ballet (ba-LEH) – A classical dance style
• Fiancé (fee-ahn-SAY) – A person engaged to be married
• Cliché (klee-SHAY) – An overused expression
• Déjà vu (day-zhah VOO) – The feeling of experiencing something before

Italian Influence

• Pizza (PEET-zuh) – A dish with dough, cheese, and toppings
• Paparazzi (pah-pah-RAHT-tsee) – Aggressive celebrity photographers
• Al dente (al-DEN-tay) – Pasta cooked firm to the bite
• Fresco (FRES-ko) – A painting technique using wet plaster

German Contributions

• Kindergarten (KIN-der-gar-ten) – A preschool for young children
• Doppelgänger (DOP-pel-gang-er) – A person’s look-alike
• Zeitgeist (TSYTE-geyst) – The spirit of a particular era
• Schadenfreude (SHAH-den-FROY-duh) – Taking pleasure in someone else’s misfortune

Japanese Additions

• Karaoke (kah-rah-OH-keh) – Singing along to recorded music
• Tsunami (tsoo-NAH-mee) – A massive ocean wave triggered by an earthquake
• Sushi (SOO-shee) – A dish with vinegared rice and raw fish
• Emoji (eh-MO-ji) – Digital icons used in messaging

Spanish Words in Use

• Siesta (see-ES-tah) – A short afternoon nap
• Plaza (PLAH-zah) – A public square or open space
• Guerrilla (guh-REEL-lah) – Small, independent military groups
• Cilantro (see-LAHN-tro) – A fresh herb used in cooking

Arabic Contributions

• Algebra (AL-jeh-bruh) – A branch of mathematics
• Coffee (KAW-fee) – A popular caffeinated drink
• Safari (suh-FAR-ee) – A journey or expedition, often in Africa
• Zenith (ZEE-nith) – The highest point

English Words in Other Languages

Many languages also borrow from English:

• Japanese: “コンピュータ” (konpyūta) – Computer
• French: “Le weekend” – The weekend
• Spanish: “Marketing” – Marketing
• Chinese: “沙发” (shā fā) – Sofa

Final Thoughts

Foreign words add richness to language, reflecting cultural exchange and historical connections. The next time you say “sushi,” “ballet,” or “pizza,” remember—you’re speaking a little bit of another language!